About Lisa Adams
Lisa Adams, Vermont born, is a Pratt Institute graduate with a degree in fine arts. She began her career as a graphite artist. Residing in Coconut Grove, FL after graduating, she was recognized for her large super-realistic pencil drawing. Relocating to New York City in the 1980's, she switched her career to illustration. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, 3X3 Magazine, Print Magazine and other industry showcases. After 21 years in Manhattan, Lisa recently moved to Mystic, CT and resumed her fine art career. She is represented by dianebirdsallgallery in Old Lyme, CT and continues to be represented by Morgan Gaynin Illustration Representatives for her commercial work. Her work appears in mainstream magazines and she is the author-illustrator of "The Twelve Days of Christmas in New York City" - a childrens' book. Her favorite creation in 1994 - the Gap teddybear - still continues to be the mascot for the BabyGap stores.
Interview with the Artist
How did you interpret using the Strathmore Thistle for the pad cover artwork?
The Strathmore Thistle envoked memories of Scotland I hold dear. I remember hiking on the Isle of Mull and being ankle deep in thistles. The favored national footwear in that country is the Wellie and the national flower is the thistle -- so then, the image I created became just that -- a view of someone wearing Wellies walking through a patch of thistles. To showcase the various mediums that the 400 series paper can accommodate, it was a great opportunity to introduce a variety of thistles with a worm's eye view of the boot among them. It was a like a fond memory captured and better yet to be the cover art for the 400 Series Mixed Media pads.
How did the Strathmore paper you used for the project affect your drawing (or painting) techniques?
Using gouache for painting the Wellies was a pleasant eye-opener. Because I worked on a larger scale for this project than I usually do with that medium, I discovered how nicely gouache behaves on the paper's surface in large scale.
Which artists inspire you?
The Flemish Renaissance Masters have always been a very inspiring force in my art. I make a strong point to keep up with current artists and have assessed my steady favorites to be these: painter Julian Schnabel, graphite artist Vija Celmins, and the late illustrator, George Stavrinos.
What advice would you give to beginning artists?
My advice to beginning artists is to work hard at a business model. Whether you are seeking a Fine Art or an Illustration career you must organize your vision by editing to include your best pieces and present them in a professional way. I also encourage beginning artists to not only seek out The Great Artists for inspiration but to constantly peruse current architecture, fashion and offbeat magazines for establishing your own sensibilities. Basically, I am promoting the utter soaking in of the visual world whether it be magazines or an old sign, a funky stationery store or even the lucky find of a random photo album at a tag sale. It is all out there! The rest will follow. Oh, and never ever be without your sketchbook!
